2002-2003

WPI Names Director of Minority Affairs

Worcester, Mass. - March 19, 2003 - Calvin R. Hill has been hired by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) as the director of minority affairs in the university's Office of Minority Affairs. In this key position within WPI's Student Life Office, Hill will focus on the retention of and quality of life for underrepresented students at WPI.

Hill's duties will include overseeing the Excellence in Math, Science and Engineering Program (EMSEP) - WPI's retention and academic success initiative focusing on personal, academic and career development and support. He will also assist the Office of Admissions in its efforts to recruit qualified students of color to WPI.

WPI's Office of Minority Affairs is a key component to fulfilling one of the university's strategic goals of improving the campus culture and community presence. This reflects WPI's commitment to providing equal access to educational opportunities for underrepresented populations, which in turn helps increase the diversity in engineering, science and technology workforces.

"Calvin is a great addition to the Student Life team that focuses on the retention and the quality of life of students at WPI," says Janet Begin Richardson, WPI's associate vice president of student affairs and dean of student life. "His background in higher education, student affairs expertise and infectious enthusiasm will all be assets as he addresses the needs of WPI's underrepresented student population."

Hill comes to WPI after spending the last three years teaching in academia, most recently at Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass., where he was assistant professor in the Division of Business, Law and Public Policy.

Hill received his bachelor of art degree in history-political science from Bethany College in Scotts Valley, Calif., and his master of science degree in student personnel administration from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. He is currently pursuing a doctorate of philosophy degree in political science from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865, WPI is a pioneer in technological higher education. WPI was the first university to understand that students learn best when they have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom to the solution of important problems. Today its students, working in teams at more than 20 project centers around the globe, put their knowledge and skills to work as they complete professional-level work that can have an immediate positive impact on society.

WPI's innovative, globally focused curriculum has been recognized by leaders in industry, government and academia as the model for the technological education of tomorrow. Students emerge from this program as true technological humanists, well rounded, with the confidence, the interpersonal skills and the commitment to innovation they need to make a real difference in their professional and personal lives.

The university awarded its first advanced degree in 1898. Today, its first-rate research laboratories support master's and Ph.D. programs in more than 30 disciplines in engineering, science and the management of technology. Located in the heart of the region's biotechnology and high-technology sectors, WPI has built research programs - including the largest industry/university alliance in North America - that have won it worldwide recognition.